Government of Japan to Support Healthcare Workers and Child Nutrition

19 March 2010

New Delhi - WFP welcomes Friday a US$750,000 donation from the Government of Japan to support a comprehensive strategy to train woman in Madhya Pradesh to play an active role in delivering healthcare services and improving child nutrition.

Madhya Pradesh has the highest malnutrition rate among children in India and the donation will be used to teach local women how to vaccinate infants and children, increase awareness about good nutrition, boost school enrolment, and improve sanitation and hygiene. As a result, the project will generate employment opportunities for many women.

Very encouraged

“We are very encouraged by the Government of Japan’s commitment for the hungry and malnourished,” said WFP India Representative Mihoko Tamamura. “This timely contribution will not only enable WFP to reach out to the vulnerable in Madhya Pradesh but will also help us empower women so that they themselves become agents of change.”

The state of Madhya Pradesh has the highest proportion of underweight (60 percent) and wasted children (35 percent) in India. Nearly fifty percent of children are stunted. Infant mortality is also among the highest in the country (69.5 percent).

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